In collaboration with MusiCamp, ZARI is so excited to be part of #UnionSummer and the revitalization project at Union Station. We’ll be performing a set that features Georgian songs and dance at the Sir John A. Macdonald Plaza in front of Union Station – the busiest, most important multi-modal transportation hub in Canada, serving nearly a quarter-million passengers daily! – MusiCamp is providing culturally diverse and interactive musical experiences to the gateway to Toronto, our wonderful city!

Georgian Song and Dance

Members of Georgian Soul performing at Toronto Fashion Week

On July 17 2016, be prepared for a transformatively visceral experience with songs and dance from Georgia, a small, mountainous country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Known for its distinctive harmonies, this millennia-old musical tradition was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible masterpiece of humanity in 2001. Today we bring it to you through the award-winning trio ZARI, members of the Makharashvili family, and a special guest from the dance troupe Georgian Soul. We’ll also give you a first-hand taste of this exceptional music, with opportunity for you to get up and sing and dance with us!

Other MusiCamp Workshops at Union Station

Have a quick look at last week’s West African Drumming Workshop or visit MusiCamp’s full lineup here.

Thursday June 9 2016 8 PM
Music Gallery, Toronto

Off Centre Music Salon: In Harmony

IN HARMONY is a celebration of the human voice and of its extraordinary versatility. From Gesualdo madrigals and traditional Georgian trios, to untraditional vocal ensembles (think looping and distortion pedals), improvisers and songsters with the most enviable ears. Moreover, IN HARMONY gives us the rare opportunity to present some of our favourite vocal artists as the multi-faceted wonders that they are. Featuring Toronto-based vocalists Robin Dann, Alex Samaras, Ghislain Aucoin, Ilana Zarankin and ZARI.

For months now, MusiCamp has been workshopping Georgian Polyphony with one of Toronto’s best children’s choruses, Young Voices of Toronto (YVT). And on June 5, they team up with ZARI and the Makharashvili family to present a set of traditional Georgian polyphony.

YVT, formerly known as High Park Choirs, is the Children’s Choir-in-Residence at the University of Toronto. Under the artistic directorship of Zimfira Poloz, YVT is known for its professional, diverse and unique choral programs.

MusiCamp is a Toronto based music studio, run by ZARI member Andrea Kuzmich, that offers unique kids camps and adult workshop.

TUESDAY APRIL 26, 8 PM
at the BURDOCK 1184 Bloor St W (just west of Dufferin)

ZARI – Zephyr – Dovira :
12 musicians/dancers exploring musics of the Middle East up through the Caucasus into Ukraine

Come and celebrate Jaash’s birthay with ZARI, Zephyr, and Dovira at the Burdock! The birthday special? A cover of only $10 ($8 in advance)! This is an incredibly unique evening of music featuring 12 of Toronto’s outstanding world musicians/dancers! It’s a musical travelogue stemming with the rich melodies and rhythms from the Middle East, moving up to the intense and ancient vocal polyphony of the Caucasian mountains, and settling into a a fusion of old-world Ukraine and new-world jazz.

The Burdock is Toronto’s newest music hall / brewery. It was designed for sound and performance and is curated by artists for music lovers.

A rare chance to experience Georgian cuisine and song…

Foodies would be interested to know that ZARI’s October 2 concert is also a dinner, featuring Georgian cuisine, “the best little-known cuisine in the world“. In the Post-Soviet states, Georgian food is loved for its elaborate blend of spices, walnuts, and fresh herbs and fruit that result in savoury stews, purees, sauces and salads.

It is also known that Georgian food is best consumed with traditional Georgian song and wine! So what better way to experience the flavours than in this rare chance at ZARI’s dinner-concert. And given that Georgia is also known as the cradle of wine (the oldest archeological finds of wine making are from Easter-Georgia), of course a few glasses of wine will accompany the dinner.

All will be served with fresh bread, and a salad of oil-drizzled cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and basil. Desserts will also be served (yet to be decided, but don’t be surprised if there will be something featuring walnuts!).